Best of Washington: Almost Too-Hot-to-Handle Handbags

Decisions, decisions: a car or a handbag? At $26,995, Yves St. Laurent’s Crocodile Uptown Bag checks in at the price of an Audi A3 with extras. It’s both timeless and the “it” accessory of the season; exotics—scaly soft lizard, python, and crocodile—are hot this winter. The gray frame-top bag with gold-tone hardware is available online at Neiman Marcus (neimanmarcus.com) in early December, but if you want it, you’ll have to turn on that animal instinct. There’s only one.

Forget about the Audi: You could buy a condo for the price of Chanel’s Diamond Foreverwhite alligator bag, which will hit the market in early 2008. At $260,150, the bag is bling-heavy with 18-karat white-gold hardware and a clasp encrusted with 344 diamonds. You have a better shot at this bag; the mother store in Paris is sending two to America. If your wallet is up to the challenge, check with the Chanel boutique in McLean (2001 International Dr.; 703-847-0555) for details.

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